PSI - Issue 70

G.K. Arunvivek et al. / Procedia Structural Integrity 70 (2025) 540–547

542

Fig. 2 XRD pattern of cenosphere

XRD analysis has been carried out and the pattern is shown in Fig. 2. The surface areas were calculated as 1559 m 2 /kg and 356 m 2 /kg for OPC and cenospheres, respectively. In order to improve workability super plasticizer has been used. Various trials had been conducted and the dosage of 0.5% by mass of the cement has been identified as optimal dosage. 3. Experimental program Cenosphere content has been varied from 0% to 50% in increments of 10% by the mass of cement. Packing densities and rheology of the mix have been calculated. The compressive strength variations of mortar were studied. The W/CM has been varied to assess the influence of cenosphere on rheology. In general, the packing density of cement in dry packed form is lower than that of its paste form. Hence wet packing method proposed by Wong and Kwan (2008) [59] was adopted in this study. To evaluate the mechanical and flowability properties of the mixes, the water-to cementitious materials (W/CM) ratio was varied from 0.36 to 0.40, in increments of 0.02 by mass of the cementitious material. Mixing has been done as per the guidelines given in IS 10262:2019. Cone flow test was conducted to determine the flowability of the mix. Fig.3 and Fig.4 shows the molds used to cast the samples to conduct the experiments.

Fig. 3 Mini slump cone used for flow test